Overboard Americas Santos · 30 December 2023
Passenger Death (Overboard) on MSC Preziosa: Incident on 30 December 2023
What happened
On 30 December 2023, a 32-year-old male passenger, Carlos Alberto Mota Candreva, went overboard from the MSC Preziosa while the vessel was en route from Port Santos/São Paulo, Brazil, to Angra dos Reis. The incident occurred around 12:30 AM local time and was reportedly preceded by an argument with his girlfriend. An extensive search and rescue operation was launched involving the ship's crew, the Brazilian Coast Guard, and the Brazilian Navy.
MSC Preziosa deployed two rescue boats and commenced immediate search operations. After approximately two hours of searching, the vessel was released to continue its voyage. Candreva's body was not recovered. The incident occurred during the vessel's 5-day "New Year's Eve Cruise South America" itinerary.
Details of the rescue
Following the overboard incident at approximately 12:30 AM local time, MSC Preziosa immediately deployed two rescue boats and initiated search and rescue operations. The Brazilian Coast Guard and Brazilian Navy were notified and joined the search efforts. After approximately two hours of searching the surrounding waters, authorities released the vessel to continue its voyage. Despite the coordinated response, the passenger was not located.
Passengers and crew
Passengers
- Passenger complement not specified in source.
Crew
- Crew complement not specified in source.
Casualties
Fatalities
- 1 passenger: Carlos Alberto Mota Candreva, 32 years old (body not recovered).
Injuries
- None reported.
Rescued
- No rescue recovery; search operation concluded without locating the passenger.
Emergency response
MSC Preziosa's crew deployed two rescue boats immediately following the overboard report. The Brazilian Coast Guard and Brazilian Navy were notified and participated in the search and rescue operation. The coordinated response continued for approximately two hours before the vessel was cleared to resume its voyage.
Current status
MSC Preziosa continued its voyage following the conclusion of the search operation. The incident cast a somber tone over the holiday cruise itinerary. The circumstances surrounding the passenger's overboard incident—reportedly following an argument with his girlfriend—remain as documented by MSC Cruises.